Some extracts from Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semecarpus_anacardium
*Semecarpus Anacardium* (the Oriental Anacardium<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anacardium>) is a native of India <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India> and is closely related to the cashew <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cashew>. It is known as *bhallatak* in India and was called "marking nuts" by Europeans <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe>, because it was used by washermen to mark the cloths before washing, as it imparted water insoluble<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solubility>mark to the cloth. It's also known as "Ker" in Kannada <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kannada_language>. It is a deciduous <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduous> tree, found in the outer Himalayas <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himalayas>. The nut is about 2.5 cm long, ovoid and smooth lustrous black. In Ayurveda<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda>, the fruit is considered a *rasayana <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasayana>*for longevity and rejuvenation,and is processed before use, as it is toxic <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxic> in nature. Recent studies have shown the fruit to be a good anti-inflammatory agent and effective in various types of cancers. Other links: http://www.herbalcureindia.com/herbs/bhallataka.htm (medicinal use), http://www.apforests.gov.in/Silviculture%20of%20Species/Forest%20Seeds/083.htm (some details). 2009/1/3 satish phadke <[email protected]> > > Thanks Neil and Kenneth > It appeared to be from Anacardiaceae family from the flowers but > couldn't spot it. > Satish > > On 03/01/2009, Neil Soares <[email protected]> wrote: > > Hi Satish, > > It is the Marking Nut tree [Semecarpus anarcardium] locally called > Bibha. > > Regards, > > Neil Soares. > > > > --- On Fri, 1/2/09, satish phadke <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > From: satish phadke <[email protected]> > > Subject: [indiantreepix:7025] PLANT FOR ID 25 SMP 1 JAN 2009 > > To: "indiantreepix Indian" <[email protected]>, > > "wildflowerindia" <[email protected]> > > Date: Friday, January 2, 2009, 10:03 PM > > > > > > > > A big tree on the outskirts of Pune around 25 feet. > > Star shaped flowers seen. Leaves alternate exstipulate. > > would appreciate ID > > Satish > > -- > > > > http:// satishphadke.blogspot.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > http:// satishphadke.blogspot.com > > > > -- With regards, J.M.Garg "We often ignore the beauty around us" Creating Awareness about Indian Flora & Fauna: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Jmgarg1 For learning about our trees & plants, please visit/ join Google e-group (Indiantreepix) http://groups.google.co.in/group/indiantreepix?hl=en --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "indiantreepix" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.co.in/group/indiantreepix?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
